Fukuyama is a city located along side the Ashida River in Hiroshima, Japan. As of the February 1, 2005 merger, the city has an estimated population of 426,795 and a density of 925 persons per km². The total area is 461.23 km². After Hiroshima City it is the largest city in Hiroshima Prefecture and is located on the far east side of the prefecture. The city's symbol is the rose and it holds an annual "Rose Festival" in the month of May. Fukuyama City is a vital commercial, industrial and communications center. It produces machinery, Koto (Japanese harps), rubber products, electronics, textiles, and processed foods.